NEW YORK – Hello Giants Fans, I was thinking about the draft and wondering what type of scenario would be acceptable when it came to trading away the 1st round pick. I think getting a 1st round pick and 3rd round pick in 2013 might be worth it. Maybe getting a 2nd round pick this year and 1st round pick in 2013 might be worth it too. It looks like Big Blue is trading away the 5th round pick this year for that Bengals LB Rivers. I have to read up on him but have heard he’s had injury issues. They also know they have two 4th round draft picks, because of the compensation pick. Once that news becomes official about LB Rivers, we can look at the draft board again.

The Giants are working on the offensive lineman and linebacker positions via free agency, just like we thought they would. Very smart move by Giants GM Jerry Reese and the front office. I love how this team is coming together already. Can the Giants strike gold late with a running back? Will the Giants draft for offense or defense with the first pick? Who will be the Giants 1st round pick? Will the G-Men trade their 1st round pick?

Let me just say that I do not think GM Jerry Reese will trade away any other draft picks, if he gives up the 5th round pick for LB Rivers. I’m starting to lean towards drafting the best available player in round one. I know this sounds strange because I keep adjusting to the new moves Big Blue makes. They are locking down an offensive lineman with veteran OL Sean Locklear and linebacker Keith Rivers via free agency. That means a cornerback or wide receiver in round one would not surprise me, since they are both very athletic positions. The Giants drafting the best available player would surprise me even less. They are squared away pretty good right now and still have time to work before training camp. The team looks deceiving until you realize how much talent is returning from injury. Some very good players will be back stronger then ever and ready to play some football. The Giants truly look like they are building a dynasty in New York.

What are your thoughts about having the final pick of round one? Is it worth holding onto or would you trade it away for more picks next year?

NEW YORK – The New York Giants can feel the draft creeping up on them. I cannot believe it is almost time for the 2012 NFL draft to kick off. In just about two weeks, fans will know who their first round pick will be. I have even heard some suggest the Giants trade away this years first round pick, for a first round pick next year and a second rounder this year, then work the two second round picks. I don’t know about this strategy because GM Jerry Reese usually keeps all of his draft picks. The Giants are very good at the draft and have had a tremendous draft record the past decade.

The best possible example of Jerry Reese taking the best player available is CB Prince Amukamara. Nobody, including myself, thought Prince would still be on the board at the Giants pick that year but he was. There is nothing you can do in a situation like that but take the guy. So this is always a very good possibility and it will not be a surprise to you, if you take your notes and follow it LIVE on the computer and TV. You’ve alread seen the players I listed as draft possibilities in the first part of this article, Happy Easter to our Readers, Giants Mock Draft but I’d like to hear about other players you guys feel might be a help to the team. I know we have more readers out there, so let me hear your thoughts on this. The Giants should slowly begin to pull away from the media for a while. They never reveal their poker hand to the media and I like it. Here is the draft order below.

New York Giants Draft Order

1. Round One, Pick No. 32

2. Round Two, Pick No. 63

3. Round Three, Pick No. 94

4. Round Four A, Pick No. 127

5. Round Four B, Pick No. 131

6. Round Five, Pick No. 167 – Traded to Bengals*

7. Round Six, Pick No. 201

8. Round Seven, Pick No. 239

Feel free to copy and paste the draft order and fill in the blanks in the comment area. What is the best way to attack the draft this year?

RD – nygreporter.com

To all of the Giants players who will not be returning to the team for the 2012 season, we wish you well with your new teams and all of the best for the future! Once a Giant, always a Giant!

Check out New York Giants RB Rodney Hampton’s summer football camp at www.hampscamp.com and donate/contribute to the after school programs for kids!

NEW YORK – I would like to wish you all a very Happy Easter! It’s hard to believe that we are this deep into April already, this year is flying by very fast. I’m glad I was able to hang out with family and relax today. I hope you all had a great weekend too. Can you believe it has been two months, since the Giants beat the Patriots in Super Bowl XLVI to win the Super Bowl Championship for a second time against New England. My how time flies. The 2012 NFL Draft is the next big thing coming up and I expect football fans to be foaming at the mouth in Radio City Music Hall. The war room strategies and meetings have already started and coaches are discussing the roster with GM Jerry Reese. Fans will only have to wait another 3 weeks to find out the brilliant game plan put together by the Giants A-Team.

Be on the look out for my upcoming 2012 Giants Draft article. It should be a fun way to discuss the team needs and assess players for our ‘hit list’ on draft day. If you decide that you want to make your list on your own, may I suggest doing it by position. It makes for a much easier reference when you follow the draft LIVE and try to guess the rookies taken. I generally do a top five list for each position and top ten for the three positions with the most need. Example, WR, RB and OL look like three top areas of need on offense for the 2012 draft. The defense is pretty solid but could use more youth at the safety and cornerback positions in my opinion. The top three positions of need on defense are CB, S and LB.

If the money could be worked out on a deal, I would suggest bringing in a veteran offensive lineman and then use the first round pick on another offensive lineman. Protect QB Eli Manning at all costs. Then straight hit the defense for back to back rounds with a cornerback and linebacker taken, followed by a surprising wide receiver pick in the fourth. These picks are based solely on my opinion and will probably change the closer we get to the draft itself. The Giants needs change all of the time, so be sure to keep an eye on their transactions.

NEW YORK – To say that the Giants have been busy the past 48 hours is an understatement. The Giants could hit the 15-17 player signings benchmark by tonight if they continue at this pace. I see what Giants GM Jerry Reese is doing and it is fun to take this journey of evolution with him and guess what happens because he is not showing his hand. You must know the team well enough to come up with scenarios and quite frankly, if you’re one of those writers who has given up, don’t steal my formulas or ideas and print them as your own. I read everything related to the Giants daily. It’s like a kick in the gut when you put two and two together and check the timelines for story releases. If you want my work, pay me, don’t be a hack.

Now back to business, the Giants have made about a dozen deals over the last 48 hours and show no signs of stopping today. They know the cream of the crop is almost completely devoured by now and will make a couple more moves in my opinion by Friday night. It’s safe to say the Giants have addressed the tight end and cornerback areas considerably thus far. They also have S Chad Jones, CB Prince Amukamara, CB Corey Webster to work with too and TE Jake Ballard and TE Travis Beckum. How about signing both of the Andrews brothers (Shawn and Stacy)? Get those guys up to speed and on the field together and see what happens. I also think that signing DE Osi Umenyiora, S Deon Grant, LB Chase Blackburn are crucial for the defense and special teams group.

Let’s take a look at what has happened thus far. Giants GM Jerry Reese has solidified the cornerback position on defense. He knows the defensive line is fine but if a good deal presents itself, who knows? He knows the safety group is fine, maybe add one more. This tells me he will be attacking the linebacker group via the upcoming NFL draft. If he catches lightning in a bottle with a future LT, I think he will use the majority of the other picks on offense. I think it will be a LB or OL taken in round one this year. I hope it is another athletic linebacker to help out but at the same time think a ten year offensive lineman is needed right now. The recent roster moves also tell me the offensive line will be addressed via the draft and certainly the running back position.

Here are some of the recent signings by Big Blue this week. Some of the deals did not publicly state the terms.

NEW YORK – It didn’t take long for a new wave of emotion to rush over Giants fans since the Super Bowl win over the Patriots, for a second time, in Super Bowl XLVI. The prospects and free agents are everywhere and there are players for every position. I discussed the fact that the Giants would strike quickly in my article yesterday and the Boys in Blue did not disappoint. News broke before 10:00 AM about the team re-signing CB Terrell Thomas to a 4-year deal worth over $25 million, to the pleasure of Giants fans all over the internet. They followed up by re-signing two more cornerbacks Michael Coe and Justin Tryon. They also signed OL Joel Reinders (6’8″ 317 pounds) and TE Larry Donnell (6’6″ 269 pounds), neither have NFL experience. The entire NFL was set ablaze today with excitement and anticipation of what moves their respective teams might make. I am one of those fans on the most basic level, as we all are, and couldn’t wait to see who the G-Men picked up. Giants GM Jerry Reese does a wonderful job handling these things, even if you cannot see the impact right away, it becomes evident by the end. Jerry Reese, once again, deserves to be NFL GM of the Year!

The Free Agency madness will continue for quite a while but I expect the most damage to be done within the first 48-72 hours. After that, you are picking bones for talent. GM Jerry Reese knows this and knows it makes no difference if you pick up a guy in the first hour or last hour of free agency. The only thing that changes is the level of talent you are getting at a lower price, the further down the rabbit hole you go. I fully expected the Giants to make at least one considerable signing today in an area of need and they did. It just made too much sense not to pull the trigger. If not done by today, then I would have expected them to make two signings tomorrow. Also, prepare to have your hearts broken because there a few fan favorite players that might not be with the team next year. It’s the mathematical part of the game that hurts the most. It’s pure business but a very cold dish to serve.

The Giants have so many free agents this year and very little wiggle room with the cap space. Jerry Reese and the front office will need to make miracles happen. It would be nice to tighten up the defense a little with signing a free agent linebacker with an Antrel Rolle athletic level. But they also need to keep current Giants players under contract for long stretches. There is a lot of work to do but today was a good start. They are not done at all Giants fans, so hold onto your seat. Rumors are still swirling about TE Kevin Boss, WR Steve Smith, WR Plaxico Burress all possibly returning to Big Blue and now news of Dallas TE Martellus Bennett coming to East Rutherford for a visit. Keep an eye on the running backs and linebackers. I think Jerry Reese has made the Giants draft plan a bit clearer with these moves. In my opinion, he still needs to sign DE Osi Umenyiora, S Deon Grant, DE Dave Tollefson, WR Mario Manningham and WR Victor Cruz. Could you imagine the Giants defense if they signed Mario Williams!

Who will be the top three most important free agent signings for Big Blue?

RD – nygreporter.com

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NEW YORK – Hello Giants fans, the NFL free agency madness begins tomorrow. I fully expect GM Jerry Reese to have a plan in place, that will be put into motion when the clock strikes. His plan is already in motion, we are in motion right now, can you feel it? Areas that could be effected include the offensive line and the running backs. OL Kareem McKenzie might meet his replacement if reports are correct. RB Ahmad Bradshaw, RB DJ Ware and RB Da’Rel Scott should all be on the final roster. Who the fourth running back will be is a mystery. Expect Reese to dig out a solid RB from the draft in the mid-rounds. This could also be addressed via free agency where Big Blue could make a run for tier-two talent. Making a play for a solid tight end is not out of the question either. The offense would benefit from an experienced veteran at the position. An offensive lineman with experience would make sense as well. Some should check in on OL Shawn Andrews and see what he has been doing. The return of OT William Beatty will be a plus as well.

That about covers the offensive options in my opinion, on the defensive side of the ball, I see linebacker as the primary area of interest. If the Giants were to lock up DE Osi Umenyiora for 3 years and then spend a little on a solid linebacker via free agency, they may have something there. Of course, you have to include locking down LB Chase Blackburn for 3 years as well. Both of those guys are very important to what happens on the field on defense and special teams. It’s a smart move that makes sense, plus both guys want to retire as Giants one day and possibly make it into the Ring of Honor. You can go to bed at night knowing both of these guys will be worth what they are paid three years from now. DE Justin Tuck, DE Osi Umenyiora and DE Jason Pierre-Paul together for the next three years means at least one more Super Bowl ring for the Giants Dynasty Team. Another ring means all of the NFL “experts” and haters are silenced for a decade. And you know what? Eli is going to do it.

Expect Big Blue to strike like lightning and make a bold move early in the free agency period. When you have the last pick in the draft, 32nd overall, it makes sense to strike quickly in free agency to bolster your squad. At least it makes sense in my mind and justifies an aggressive approach from the onset. I am just as curious as the next guy about which direction they will take regarding talent and managing cap space. Bravo again to captain QB Eli Manning for restructuring his contract to free up over $6.5 million in cap space. What a team player and superb leader he is for this franchise and he has now become the Greatest Quarterback in New York Giants history in my opinion. Put it in the record books ladies and gentlemen. Speaking of quarterbacks, will the G-Men be looking into other backup quarterback options for Iron Man Easy Eli? Some reports say QB David Carr might be on his way out. I’ve always liked Carr and though he brought some stability to the backup QB position. We will find out soon.

Who are some of the free agent players you have your eyes on for the New York Giants?

NEW YORK – The New York Giants have made some roster moves already by signing WR Domenik Hixon, TE Jake Ballard and CB Bruce Johnson. The Giants have also released veteran RB Brandon Jacobs, who may want to test the market but return for less money and get that third ring we all know is coming to New York under QB Eli Manning. Come back to New York for a bit less Brandon, RB Ahmad Bradshaw is the No.1 RB in New York but the two players compliment each other well. Manning was also in the news this week for restructuring his contract to free up over $6.5 million dollars in cap space for 2012. The Giants will also need to pay DE Osi Umenyiora, who deserves to be paid a nice 3 or 4 year deal for consistent production on the field.

Indianapolis Colts QB Peyton Manning was released by the team this week, in an emotional press conference which included Jim Irsay. He has already begun checking out teams, including Denver where he was spotted this week and Miami where he will be soon. The Washington Redskins make a bold move giving up three 1st round picks (2012,2013,2014) and this years 2nd round pick, for this years No.2 overall pick from the St. Louis Rams. A pick most believe will be used on QB Robert Griffin III. The New York Jets sign QB Mark Sanchez long term with a five year $40 million dollar deal. Even WR Plaxico Burress was in the news and suggesting a return to the G-Men is always a possibility. I don’t know about that one.

It’s worth mentioning again how much I love the New York Giants using the franchise tag on punter Steve Weatherford. OL Kareem Mckenzie might be on his way out too. It sounds like the Giants are going to bulk up their offensive line this year which is a smart move. I would like to wish Brandon Jacobs all of the best in whatever he decides to do and Kareem McKenzie too, if he should leave. Of course, WR Mario Manningham is another big name floating around about possibly leaving the team. I hope that isn’t the case with Manningham but I wish him well too if he goes.

The NFL draft is next month and I think the Giants could use their first round pick on an offensive player for a change. I love the idea of getting a 10-year offensive lineman like OG Cordy Glenn 6’5″ 345 pounds in round one or OT Mike Adams 6’6″ 320 pounds. Perhaps, a stud tight end like Dwayne Allen 6’3″ 255 pounds or Coby Fleener 6’6″ 247 pounds. I doubt they will use a first round pick on a running back but I can see them taking one within the first four rounds. Giants GM Jerry Reese seems to be particularly astute at finding gems within the RB groups in later rounds, so it could wander into round five. I haven’t heard anything about special teams coach Tom Quinn yet but that is an area I expect will be addressed soon. It looks like K Lawrence Tynes has become a good luck charm for Big Blue and P Steve Weatherford is a rock star compared to other NFL punters. Hixon will help the return game and I expect WR Jerrel Jernigan to be primarily used as a WR. RB Da’Rel Scott is one to watch too. The Giants should also lock up LB Chase Blackburn for 3 years if possible in my opinion. I expect a linebacker to be drafted within the first four rounds. Be sure to come back and check out my full draft analysis by position.

What are your thoughts on some of the recent roster moves by Big Blue?

RD – nygreporter.com – RIP Alex Webster.

Check out New York Giants RB Rodney Hampton’s summer football camp at www.hampscamp.com and donate/contribute to the after school programs for kids!

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